IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. The Pre-Qin to Han periods (770 BCE to 220 CE) saw the rise of the knight-errant culture in China, a phenomenon closely intertwined with the evolution of Chinese martial arts. Understanding the interplay between these two aspects is crucial for comprehending the development of Chinese martial arts.
Problem and Aim. This study aims to explore the relationship between knight-errant culture and the evolution of Chinese martial arts during the Pre-Qin to Han dynasties. It seeks to examine how chivalric culture influenced the development, dissemination, and inheritance of martial arts, and how the socio-cultural context of the time shaped their progression.
Material and Methods. Utilizing literary analysis, historical comparison, and induction, the research delves into the historical records of knights-errant in texts like Shiji [Records of the Historian] and Hanshu [Book of Han]. By analyzing specific cases and comparing the evolution of knights-errant across various texts, the study investigates the impact of chivalric culture on martial
arts development.
Results and Conclusions. The findings suggest that the admiration for knights-errant fostered a surge in martial arts practice among the populace. The professionalization of knights-errant training led to the specialization and standardization of martial arts techniques, while the prevalence of assassins accelerated the development of swordsmanship. The knights-errant community, as bearers and disseminators of martial arts culture, significantly influenced its development. However, the rising influence of Confucianism and the existential challenges faced by knights-errant posed obstacles to the progress of martial arts. This study highlights the crucial role of knights-errant in the evolution of martial arts and the impact of the socio-cultural context on their development.